Hello again folks, The time has come for me to retire my old, clapped out, nursing home on wheels. I.e. 1988 Colony park. I've finally scrounged up enough dough to get my bronco running again as a daily and will be my daily in a month or so. With that being said, I'm deciding whether it's worth restoring and building this particular wagon, or if i should just get a rolling shell. It only has rust in the bed pans (upfront and kids area), the engine is wore out but still goes. The interior is shot, and the paint has faded harder than every 20 year old with a flask of black velvet sloshing in their guts. I really enjoy this car, I really, really do. But is it the best car to start with.. I have very limited funds, no garage, no engine building, body work, or fabricating skills, I'll have to find other people to help (pay) cover those areas. Thankfully my old high school auto teacher is willing to teach me engine building, so the only financial part ill have to worry about is parts and machining. Another aspect to consider is the rarity of this car. I never see any wagons in my area, so donor cars are out of question. In my current scenario, what would be the best and most efficient way to approach a project like this? Note- ill be saving a budge big enough to knock out everything at once.
If you like your car so much, restore it. I think first you need a garage. Then things will be easier.
Oooooorrrr. You have at least two cars. Why not use one as your lab rat. Pull the motor. Take it apart. Put it back together. Then find an older woman with money who can Buy you a new one
Cheaper to start with the most rust free body you can find, rather than pay someone to repair a rotted one.